Coles has announced Darren Blackhurst, Chief Executive Coles Liquor, will step down from his role to return to the UK so he and his wife can be closer to their ageing parents and children.
Steve Cain, Coles CEO, said Blackhurst had made an outstanding contribution to Coles Liquor since joining the team in January 2020, crediting him with delivering sales growth of more than 15 per cent over the past three years.
“Under his leadership, we reset our Liquor strategy to be a simpler, more accessible and locally relevant drinks specialist. This included renewing 426 Liquorland stores to the highly successful ‘black and white’ format, increasing sales of exclusive and local liquor brands, significantly enhancing our omnichannel presence and building capability and leadership at all levels within the business,” said Cain.
Cain added that Blackhurst’s decision to step down would give him more time with his family as well as the opportunity to “relax, refocus and rewire.”
Blackhurst said that his experience at Coles Liquor had been a positive one that he’s proud to have been a part of.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to be part of the Coles team and a privilege to lead the Liquor business for the past three and a half years. I hope the team is immensely proud of what they have delivered and achieved together,” he said.
Darren will continue to lead Coles Liquor until June 30, 2023. A recruitment process for his role has commenced.
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